Last Updated on 2025 年 4 月 30 日 by 総合編集組
A Guide to the Best Beverages in Taipei’s Dalong Market
Introduction to Dalong Market’s Culinary Scene
Nestled in Taipei’s DaTong District, Dalong Market is a vibrant hub for fresh produce and authentic Taiwanese street food. Beyond its bustling stalls, the market’s surrounding alleys hide a trio of iconic beverage shops: Milk Tea Station, Black Tea House, and Meinong Thai Liang. These establishments offer affordable, nostalgic drinks and snacks, from creamy milk teas to oversized iced teas and innovative millet donuts. This guide dives into their histories, signature items, and practical tips, making it a must-read for tourists and locals eager to explore Taipei’s culinary heritage.
Milk Tea Station: Nostalgic Flavors in Every Sip
Overview and Ambiance
Since opening in 1998, Milk Tea Station has been a beloved fixture near Dalong Market, earning a 4.5-star Google rating from 186 reviews. Tucked in a quiet alley, this unassuming shop draws locals with its retro vibe—think handwritten menus and vintage tea buckets. The owners’ commitment to natural ingredients, like pure cane sugar and fresh fruits, sets it apart. A heartwarming touch: the shop’s matriarch often offers free drinks to local charity workers, reflecting the community spirit of Taipei.
Must-Try Drinks
Milk Tea Station specializes in classic Taiwanese beverages, all priced between NT$15-25:
- Milk Tea: A creamy, nostalgic blend with a half-sugar option that’s light yet flavorful, perfect with savory market snacks like grilled duck.
- Winter Melon Tea: Slow-cooked with natural winter melon, it’s naturally sweet and refreshing, evoking childhood memories.
- Deciding Seed Black Tea: A herbal-infused tea with an earthy aroma, popular among older patrons.
- Mint Green Milk Tea: A rare, refreshing fusion of mint and creamy tea, offering a unique twist.
- Fresh Juices: Seasonal options like orange or watermelon, freshly squeezed for health-conscious visitors.
Visitor Experience
Customers praise the shop’s generous portions and no-queue convenience. Reviews highlight the milk tea as “the best breakfast tea you’ll ever taste” and commend the friendly service. Pair your drink with market breakfast staples like pan-fried dumplings for a perfect morning start.
Black Tea House: A Legendary Sip Since 1981
History and Popularity
Black Tea House, established in 1981, is a Dalong Market legend, boasting a 4.3-star Google rating from 2,480 reviews. Known for its 1000cc iced teas priced at just NT$25, it attracts crowds so large that number tickets are required. Using premium teas from Taipei’s historic Lin Hua Tai Tea Shop, the shop adds licorice and deciding seeds for a distinctive malt-like flavor. Its daily fresh-brewed teas and high-quality water filtration ensure consistent quality.
Signature Offerings
The menu spans teas, juices, and slushies, with prices from NT$15-50:
- Black Tea (1000cc): A classic with a caramelized, malty taste, best at three-quarters sugar for a balanced sip.
- Milk Tea: Smooth and mildly sweet, a crowd favorite.
- Green Bean Slush: Thick with real green bean bits, even after melting, showcasing the shop’s sincerity. Add chewy pearls for extra texture.
- Yinyang Milk Tea: A bold coffee-tea blend, rich and aromatic.
- Taro Milk: Creamy with authentic taro chunks, ideal for sweet-tooth cravings.
Customer Insights
Google reviews call Black Tea House “a Taipei icon,” praising its affordability, speed, and Q-bullets (chewy pearls). The nostalgic ambiance and efficient service make it a must-visit, though first-timers should note the ticketing system to avoid confusion.
Meinong Thai Liang: Retro Ice and Millet Donuts
Cultural Roots and Appeal
Meinong Thai Liang, inspired by Kaohsiung’s Meinong, brings southern Taiwan’s culinary traditions to Taipei. With a 4.6-star Google rating from 538 reviews, this cozy shop near Baoan Temple is an Instagram hotspot for its millet donuts and “clear ice” desserts. Its recipes, rooted in 50 years of heritage, use homemade jams and local ingredients like red beans and peanuts, paired with banana oil for a nostalgic twist.
Top Picks
The menu, priced at NT$40-100, blends drinks and snacks:
- Millet Donuts: Chewy, springy treats in flavors like white sugar, black sugar, cinnamon, or salted pepper. The cinnamon option is a fan favorite for its delicate spice.
- Pineapple Black Tea Clear Ice: A large, tangy-sweet drink that evokes childhood memories, especially for international visitors.
- Winter Melon Lemon Clear Ice: Light and zesty, never overly sweet.
- Four-Fruit Ice: A medley of pineapple, red beans, green beans, and peanuts, enhanced by banana-flavored ice for a retro vibe.
Social Media Buzz
Customers rave about the donuts’ “crisp outside, chewy inside” texture and the clear ice’s “summertime savior” refreshment, especially post-temple visits. The shop’s vibrant decor and music create a relaxing vibe, perfect for an afternoon break.
Health Note: Moderation is Key
While these drinks are delicious, long-term overconsumption of sugary beverages may lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes, tooth decay, and heart issues. Opt for low-sugar or sugar-free options, pair with a balanced diet, and drink plenty of water to stay healthy while indulging.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Milk Tea Station: Visit early to avoid crowds; cash only.
- Black Tea House: Arrive on weekdays to skip long queues; grab a ticket first.
- Meinong Thai Liang: Call ahead (0966-636-188) to reserve donuts, as they sell out fast. Uber Eats is available.
- General Advice: Pair drinks with market foods like vegetarian snacks or xiaolongbao for a full experience. Check shop hours, as Black Tea House and Meinong Thai Liang close on Mondays.
A Taste of Taipei’s Soul
Dalong Market’s Milk Tea Station, Black Tea House, and Meinong Thai Liang offer more than just drinks—they embody Taipei’s rich food culture and community warmth. Whether you’re sipping a nostalgic milk tea, gulping a massive iced tea, or savoring a millet donut, these shops promise an unforgettable culinary adventure. Plan your visit from Yuanshan MRT, and let these flavors transport you to the heart of Taiwan.
